Trailer Wiring Connector Assembly With Screwless Wire Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiring connectors for trailers require small screws for installation, which can be difficult to use and easily lost, complicating the connection of towing and towed vehicle wiring.

Innovation Solution

A wiring connector assembly that secures wires without the need for small screws, using a combination of a center knob, cone-shaped dowel, levers, and springs to provide a simpler and tool-free installation process for 18 to 10-gauge wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If small screws are used to secure wiring, then the connection is reliable, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes small screws entirely from the wiring connector assembly, extracting the problematic fastening method and replacing it with a screwless design where wires are retained by friction and spring pressure within the connector housing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wiring connector enables self-service installation by allowing users to simply push wires into the connector without requiring external tools or separate fastening operations, making the installation process intuitive and tool-free

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If small screws are used to secure wiring, then the connection is secure, but the screws are easily lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire retentionVSAvoidscrew loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wire retention function directly into the connector housing structure, combining the functions of wire guidance, retention, and electrical connection into a single integrated component, eliminating separate fasteners that could be lost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional wiring methods are used, then the connection is secure, but the installation process is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring connectionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiring connector is designed as a universal multi-functional device that simultaneously provides wire insertion, retention, electrical connection, and alignment functions in a single component, accommodating various wire gauges (18-10 gauge) and simplifying the overall installation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240416698A1Wiring connector with improved mechanisms for coupling with towing vehicle and towed vehicle wiring

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 HOPKINS MFG CORP

AI summary

A wiring connector assembly that connects a towed vehicle to a towing vehicle. The wiring connector assembly connects and secures conventional wiring to transfer power to a towed vehicle without the need for additional tools or small screws. The wiring connector assembly includes a vehicle side connector and a trailer side sub-assembly. A center wire is connected by inserting and screwing into the trailer side sub-assembly. Additional wires are inserted into a spring while a lever is in an open position, once connected the lever can be moved to a closed position to secure the wire with the spring.